FAIRFAX ― More than 1,700 salt trucks and plows stand ready to clear roadways in northern Virginia once snow hits the pavement, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). Trucks are pre-positioned along major roadways and in subdivisions throughout Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties.

“The challenge for our road crews will be the heavy volume of traffic we typically have the day after Christmas,” said Branco Vlacich, VDOT Administrator for Maintenance. “The more congested the traffic the more difficult it will be for crews to stay on top of the storm.”

Motorists are encouraged to check current weather, road conditions and traffic cameras before traveling by visiting www.511Virginia.org or by calling 511.

Over the past two days crews pre-treated trouble spots on interstates 66, 95, 395, and 495—including bridges and ramps prone to freezing such as the Springfield interchange, I-66 at Route 29 and the Capital Beltway interchange at Route 1—with liquid magnesium chloride. Other major roads, such as the Fairfax County Parkway and routes 1, 7, 28, 29, 50 and 123, were treated with salt brine.

Winter driving tips:

Ensure that your vehicle is winter-ready.
Keep a five-second distance or more behind other vehicles. Do no pass trucks applying chemicals unless absolutely necessary.
Be aware of areas prone to freezing such as ramps and bridges.
When driving on ice, do not slam on brakes. Turn gently and slowly.
Keep an emergency winter kit in your car.
Always wear your seatbelt.

Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.

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